Great Plant Picks: Crimson Fans

Crimson Fans is a small perennial muckdenia known for its foliage color.

WHAT: This unusual small perennial, officially known as Muckdenia rossii "Crimson Fans," or commonly muckdenia, is usually grown for its interesting foliage. The new growth in early spring emerges reddish bronze with short stalks of white flowers that fade to pale pink. In summer the foliage fades to green and by autumn the tips turn burgundy red. This color bleeds into the leaves more and more as the weather turns cooler. WHY PLANT IT: The mounding foliage of this perennial with its showy flowers and foliage color in spring and autumn add almost year-round interest in the garden.WHERE: Muckdenia prefers rich moist to well-drained or sandy soil. and light to open shade for good leaf color. It will grow in dappled shade, but the leaves will remain green and not develop any red color. It likes regular watering during dry weather. In fall, once the leaves start to fade, it can be cut to the ground. Root weevils can damage the leaves. Providing a moist location will help prevent weevil damage.SIZE: Muckdenia will reach about 1 foot high by 1 foot wide.LEARN MORE: www.greatplantpicks.org.

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